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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Olaf Seijpen: Financial stability – it’s not glamorous, but it matters

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning and welcome to the 9th Annual Macroprudential Conference. It is a pleasure to see so many distinguished representatives from central banks, regulatory institutions, the financial sector, and academia gathered here today. And welcome to our newly renovated building-a space designed not only for policy but also for people. Our new building is now partly open to the general public. As a central bank, we want to be transparent and accessible, and we wanted our new building to reflect that. And you know, people really take an interest. And I can imagine people are really excited to see so many macroprudential policy stars in person today.

    This conference has always been a collaborative effort. From the very beginning, it has been jointly organized by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Sveriges Riksbank and De Nederlandsche Bank. A macroprudential rock band if you will. And this year, we’re thrilled to welcome a new band member: the Central Bank of Ireland. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Scientific Committee for their dedication in shaping this year’s programme. Your work behind the scenes makes all of this possible.

    In these volatile times, transparency and accessibility are more important than ever. Macroprudential policy may seem like a niche field, reserved for specialists. But its impact is universal. Financial stability affects households, businesses, governments-and ultimately, the trust that underpins our economies. And all the topics that we cover in this conference the coming two days, in all their diversity and richness and technical complexity – they are somehow related to this simple fact. Be it income-based tools to mitigate housing market risks, or QE and the bond market, or bank governance, to name just a few topics in the program.

    Safeguarding that stability requires three things: patience, commitment and cooperation.

    Let me begin with patience. The road to financial stability is long and often winding. It is not paved with quick wins or instant results. After the global financial crisis, governments, regulators and banks worked hard on a comprehensive reform of banking regulation that would boost buffers and make the financial sector more resilient. That has served us well. During the Covid pandemic, for example. Thanks to stronger buffers, banks were able to absorb losses and continue extending credit when the economy took a hit as a result of the lockdowns.

    And it continues to serve us well. Especially now in these times of fundamental uncertainty. A resilient financial sector can help the economy to withstand shocks from trade barriers and geopolitical events. But it takes patience and hard work.

    That brings me to the second theme: commitment. Financial stability seems like a natural state. We take out our phone and we pay. And the bread that we buy costs the same as it did last week. And when we wake up in the morning our savings are still in our bank account. Financial stability is something that seems to be just there, unconditionally. But it really isn’t. It is something we must continuously work for. It demands vigilance, coordination, and above all, the political will to act before the crisis hits.

    Lately, there have been calls for simplifying banking regulation. I have sympathy for that. Banking regulation has indeed become very complex. This is certainly something we should look into.

    But we should be careful not to confuse simplification with deregulation. Deregulation means effectively lowering buffers by relaxing the rules. That would increase both vulnerability in the banking system and the likelihood of financial crises. It would be a big mistake.

    We should be wary of undoing the hard work that has gone into strengthening the financial system over the past decade and a half. Especially now, in this time of unusually high uncertainty, both on the economic and political front.

    This requires commitment from regulators and governments. Because the system of international rules we have built to support financial stability and to create a level playing field is only as strong as our commitment to it.

    Finally, cooperation. Financial stability is an international public good. Almost every challenge we face in our highly interconnected financial system is global in nature. And so must be our response. No country can safeguard financial stability alone.

    If we want to meet today’s challenges to financial stability, we have to continue to work together. And we need to stay committed to the institutions we have built to underpin that cooperation, such as the Basel Committee and the FSB. Global cooperation is harder in a fragmented world. But it is also more essential. During the global financial crisis, policymakers acted swiftly and in unison. We must preserve that capacity.

    Patience, commitment, and cooperation. Let us use this conference to reaffirm these principles. Let us learn from each other, challenge each other, and inspire each other. But above all: let us enjoy the conference. And if you remember just one thing from this speech, let it be this: macroprudential policy may not be glamorous, it may not attract big crowds, you may not even make it to the support act. But it matters, and it is never boring.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: François Villeroy de Galhau: “Where there is danger, a rescuing element grows as well”

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am delighted to participate in this latest edition of the Paris Finance Forum, and I would like to warmly thank Augustin de Romanet and Jean-Charles Simon for their invitation. This year, Paris has once again demonstrated its vibrancy by climbing to fourth place in the OFEXi  ranking of global financial centres. The fact remains, however, that this has been an unprecedented year, both for the global economy and for finance. I propose taking solace in the words of the German poet Hölderlin: “where there is danger, a rescuing element grows as well”.ii  I will outline three threats (1) before inviting us to take three winning gambles (2).

    1) A pivotal year with a combination of three threats

    1.1. (Geo)political unpredictability

    The first threat is clearly (geo)political unpredictability, amplified this year by the shift in US policy. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Claudia Buch: Simplification without deregulation – European supervision, regulation and reporting in a changing environment

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    The environment in which European banks are operating is changing fast. Technology is evolving rapidly, transforming how financial services are delivered and information is processed. Banks need to adapt their business models to sustain their long-term profitability. The risk landscape has changed significantly; geopolitical uncertainty is high. This requires good risk management, supervision, and regulation. At the same time, the benefits of post-financial crisis reforms are increasingly being questioned, the current supervisory and regulatory framework is being criticised as excessively complex. A weakening of global rules that help keep the financial system safe and sound is a real risk.

    Simplification without deregulation requires strong guardrails. Simplification means maintaining resilience with a more effective and efficient supervisory and regulatory framework; deregulation means weakening regulation and supervision at the expense of resilience. In practice though, it can be difficult to draw a clear line between simplification and deregulation. The current rules are not there because the framework has intentionally been made too complex. Rules and procedures are there for a reason.

    Ensuring that simplification does not weaken resilience requires an evidence-based, European reform agenda that enhances efficiency and effectiveness.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tiff Macklem: The impact of US trade policy on jobs and inflation in Canada

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Introduction

    It’s a pleasure to be here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I want to thank the St. John’s Board of Trade for the invitation to speak to you today. There is no better place to talk about trade than a community of exporters. The sea routes that begin and end in St. John’s have helped feed, supply and build Canada and the world.

    Port cities are attuned to global commerce. And until recently, the global economy had been recovering well from the hard years of the pandemic. Canada, a country that depends on foreign trade, was benefiting. At the end of 2024, inflation in Canada had been close to the 2% target for months. Substantial interest rate reductions had boosted household and business spending, and exports were strengthening. The economy had renewed momentum.

    But then something happened. Since President Trump took office in January, the world has faced a dramatic escalation in tariffs and pervasive uncertainty. In Canada, trade has been disrupted and jobs have been lost. Businesses have re-evaluated their investment plans. Consumers have become more cautious. And Canadians have told us that they expect higher prices for many imported goods.

    The recent announcement that Canada and the United States agreed to negotiate a new economic and security relationship within 30 days is very welcome news. Restoring open trade between our countries is critical to jobs and growth in Canada. It is also important for prices and inflation.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Jorgovanka Tabaković: Full support for a stable macroeconomic environment

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Dear colleagues, esteemed hosts, Mr Colangeli, Mr Petrović,

    Many times in life, everything seemed almost hopeless – bombing, COVID, many smaller or more personal crises – but life has always inevitably returned to normal. Never the same, but still normal. What is destroyed is rebuilt, what is broken is fixed, but only people remain permanently damaged by the behaviours they have experienced, and they remain outside of the normality that implies living in accordance with natural laws and cycles and in accordance with divine laws. And that is the greatest loss for humanity, but also for each individual. Especially for those for whom unnatural states offer an illusion of fulfilment – an illusion, and one of a limited duration. Anyone who doesn’t understand how illusory those feelings are – I reminded my fellow bankers yesterday – should read the book “The Circulation of Elites” by Vilfredo Pareto or Peter Turchin’s book on the hyperproduction of elites, of which there are more and more, while the seats in parliament, leadership positions in banks, and other institutions are limited in number. There is no room for everyone who believes they deserve a place in the elite.

    And now, a response to my friend and colleague, Mr Zoran Petrović:

    These days
    We owe a debt to future days
    and souls unborn
    Even if it means a sacrifice
    that won’t be recognised,
    acknowledged or cared for
    For it is only when good times pass
    heavy days come
    and people have none to blame
    that they will remember that someone     
    once knew how to create much from little
    because he respected even those
    who tripped him up
    and those who envied him
    They will recall the one who dared to stand    
    to guard his roots and take the future in his hands
    For he believed in humankind.
    The rage will pass, the children will grow
    The immature will learn what wise men know
    Some will always blame others
    for being somebody’s pawns
    for not realising in time
    that they lost much and gained little
    and that time – once gone – can’t be reclaimed.

    We won’t be able to recover what was missed in the first part of the year, but we will do our best to make up for everything that was lost.

    And before I move on to the topic of the state’s relationship with foreign investors – because of whom I put all other obligations aside to be here with you, just as I stand with you through every challenge you face – I would like to share some good news with you. News that illustrates how someone can always create something great from something small and leave it as a gift to the future. As of today, Serbia will have over 50 tonnes of gold in its FX reserves – and those who understand economics know that even the great Yugoslavia, since World War II, never had that much. This only illustrates what can be achieved with skill, knowledge and ability, as well as the determination not to let others do our job worse than us.

    Esteemed colleagues, honoured hosts,

    Let us remind ourselves of Adam Smith, and what he says in “The Wealth of Nations”:

    “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest”, said Adam Smith. Everyone has their own interest and views movements from the perspective of their own interest, while the state is the one that considers the common good and works in the interest of all. When we go to the butcher, the baker, or anywhere else, we don’t address the humanity of the butcher or the baker. We don’t even appeal to their vanity, and we never talk to them about our needs. Instead, we speak about their advantages. For the most sustainable form of cooperation is one in which each side sees some benefit for themselves. This is the cooperation that endures. This does not mean that altruism does not exist, but it is most important to rely on predictable interests, rather than on good will.

    When we apply this in the context of investments and policies, while taking into account the specificities of the time in which we operate, contributing to investment growth requires that we first question ourselves on a personal level, and then collectively. If we simply wait for others to provide us with ideal conditions, without examining what we can do ourselves, then we are already set up for failure.

    In Serbia, we have ensured a favourable business environment, and it is up to the economy to take advantage of it – which it is doing successfully. Of course, when the period of the pandemic is analysed from a certain time distance, there will be individuals who will comment on what could have been done differently. Regardless of professional integrity, when evaluating any decision each of us must consider the context of the time and circumstances in which it was made. And that means we should draw lessons from everything that has happened and is happening, and never have a one-sided perspective. If, under difficult geoeconomic conditions, you manage to resolve inflation and ensure high growth in GDP, wages, and profits, while preserving fiscal parameters and FX reserves – I’d like to see the person who would say that Serbia doesn’t have good policies!

    What are the conditions?

    • We are working in a time of sudden and significant changes across all areas.
    • We are living in a time of growing divisions in the world – not only between economies but also within national economies – with increasingly pronounced social polarisation and a deepening gap between the rich and the poor.
    • We are making decisions in a period marked by forced measures, as a response to the measures of others, which were also imposed by necessity.
    • We are entering a new era in which the common denominator for all developments is uncertainty, and the source of success lies in creativity of approach!

    What should the responses be – global and local?

    • Cooperation instead of division;
    • Proactive rather than reactive policy;
    • Respect for the short term, but without losing focus on the long term and on sustainable growth;
    • The common good above personal interest!

    And let us not forget that, as important as it is to make a good decision, it is equally important to avoid making a bad one! And it is well known that investments are never bad; only our decisions can be such.

    Therefore, I will now talk about the investment environment in Serbia, global trends in investing, and our responses.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I assume that the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the National Bank of Serbia is not investment, although there is a direct and strong connection and interdependence. If we consider that a stable and predictable economic environment is the first pillar of sustainable investment, then the association is clear!

    Similarly, I believe that the relatively stable exchange rate of the dinar to the euro is the first association with the National Bank of Serbia, both for citizens and for the economy! And that stability, which makes decision-making and long-term project planning easier, is an important pillar of the investment environment.

    I also believe that the best answer to the question of whether we have created a favourable investment environment is provided by the data.

    • Fixed investment made up around 16% of GDP in 2014, while government investment stood at 2.2% of GDP. After ten years, fixed investment came to account for over 24% of GDP, and government investment exceeded 7.3% of GDP.
    • The implementation of investment projects has not only significantly improved the overall infrastructure, it has also had a multiplier effect on new investments.
    • The number of formally employed persons increased by almost 400 thousand and it is much easier to get a job today.
    • The unemployment rate, which used to exceed 20%, dropped to 8.6%, and youth unemployment rate was cut by more than a half.
    • The average GDP growth rate of Serbia over the past seven years of nearly 4%, and we are talking about real growth, speaks volumes about the environment we have created.
    • Even under the conditions of extremely challenging global circumstances and the slow recovery of external demand, our growth of 3.9% last year was one of the highest in Europe.

    A job well done is always the best marketing, and so Serbia’s image in the world has changed significantly.

    • Crucially, last year we obtained the status of an investment-grade country, a status we have long deserved.
    • And the fact that investors have long rated us as an investment-grade country is evident from the data, which shows that over the past seven years, an average of around EUR 4 bn in foreign direct investments have been invested in Serbia annually, or 6.8% of GDP on average. A record was set last year with EUR 5.2 bn.
    • Around 55% of these inflows go to export-oriented sectors, thus contributing to their growth even under conditions of anaemic external demand.
    • The fact that around 80% of foreign direct investments consist of investments in equity capital and reinvested earnings shows that investors in Serbia are expanding existing projects and launching new ones, despite the challenges in their home markets.  These investments simultaneously bring new technology and more modern equipment, as well as new knowledge, which has also enabled the growth of overall factor productivity.

    And when individuals – because they truly are few – ask us whether we are able to maintain stability without depleting FX reserves, and how long we can defend the exchange rate, I respond with a question: And did anyone believe that Serbia, during fiscal consolidation, when everyone predicted a decline in GDP, would achieve growth? We  achieved growth, just as during the pandemic we experienced the smallest decline in GDP compared to all other economies. These are the results of well-calibrated policies and the recognition of opportunities, which are based on the diversification of markets, sources of financing, and projects.

    Moreover, it is a fact that no one can dispute, that our FX reserves are at an exceptionally high level, measured by all criteria, and they cover nearly seven months of goods and services imports! In the reports of all rating agencies, one of the key elements that positively distinguishes us from countries with comparable credit ratings is precisely the high level of FX reserves, which we have built over the past more than ten years.

    No less important – we have become part of SEPA, for which we have long been prepared, but now we have the opportunity to make payment transactions with EU countries as well more efficient and cheaper. I say payment transactions with EU as well because we have long introduced in the domestic payments, which account for the majority of daily payments by citizens and businesses, the most modern services based on transactions that are completed in just 1.2 seconds. We have also developed a modern DOMESTIC payment card, taking care about the independence and reliability of the national payment system. And what is the EU doing now? It is developing its own card system, not wanting to depend on other systems and their operational stability.

    For our DinaCard, we have carefully selected partners, guided by the goal of international functionality, but also full security and independence of our system. We have achieved this through a partnership with Discover, which will positively impact the economy of Serbia, primarily merchants, who will now be able to accept payments by these cards, issued anywhere in the world.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I said that we follow all relevant global trends, including global investment trends. We analyse where global capital is going today as the world rapidly changes under the influence of technological transformation, energy transition, and geopolitical tensions, because investments have never been evenly distributed across regions, sectors, or asset types. We are in a phase of structural capital reallocation on a global level.   

    One trend that stands out is digital transformation and the overwhelming allocation of the majority of capital towards artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, big data, cybersecurity, and fintech. These are no longer sectors of the future; they are the sectors of today, and here, funds from the United States and China dominate. In Serbia as well, the IT sector is experiencing strong growth, as seen in the export value of EUR 4.13 bn last year, which is ten times higher compared to ten years ago, when it was only around EUR 400 mn. The fact that its share in total service exports has increased from around 12% to nearly 29% confirms that this is substantial growth.

    Another direction is green and sustainable investment, focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, with funds also turning towards regenerative agriculture. Serbia’s potential in this area is significant, and investments are increasingly following environmental, social, and governance standards.

    The third trend is regionalisation, or investing closer to home markets (nearshoring), as a result of supply chain disruptions caused by the outbreak of the pandemic and the energy crisis. Shifting production closer to the European market opens up opportunities for countries like Serbia, which has an excellent geographic location, much like our DinaCard, which is expanding both East and West. Many companies are increasingly choosing Serbia as a manufacturing hub precisely for this reason, but especially because of the skilled workforce and free trade agreements with many countries, in whose conclusion a great deal of effort has been invested.

    The fourth trend is infrastructure projects and the return of the state as an investor, including investments in infrastructure: roads, railway, energy, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure… Serbia stands out in this regard with strong investments in all parts of the country. I would like to remind you, Mr Colangeli, of the presentation of the EBRD’s Transition Report, which dealt with navigating industrial policy, where you stated that by establishing good infrastructure, such as roads, railway, electricity, and the internet, Serbia facilitated investment and the opening of factories in its less developed regions. Such a policy has contributed to reducing regional income inequality, which is a goal as important as the quality of investments.

    However, one of the important questions is: what next?

    When it comes to the National Bank of Serbia, investors, as well as all agents in the country’s economic system, can count on our full support for a stable macroeconomic environment.   

    • According to our May projection, inflation will continue to slow down  and by the end of the year approach the target midpoint of 3% – the level around which it will hover until the end of the projection horizon.  The data for May inflation, according to our now-cast model, support such an outcome, and I believe the data to be released on Thursday will confirm this.
    • In June last year, we began to ease monetary policy at a cautious pace, assessing that it should remain restrictive for some time yet.
    • Caution is important always, but even more so today when we are witnessing pronounced volatility in global commodity and financial markets. In such circumstances, it is expected that global inflation will decline somewhat more slowly, and that global economic growth will be lower due to disruptions in trade flows and production chains, as well as weaknesses in key growth drivers such as foreign trade, investments, and consumption.
    • In Serbia, past monetary policy easing has fully passed through to interest rates in the money market and dinar lending market, while the easing of the European Central Bank’s monetary policy has affected the price of euro borrowing. With the growth in credit demand due to the increase in disposable income, we have a y-o-y growth in credit activity of 10.5% in April, which is also one of the channels supporting investments.

    Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Colangeli, Mr Petrović,

    I will reiterate that a job well-done is the best marketing, and also the best indicator as to how we will work in the future.

    I will repeat today that for the continued growth and development of every economy and society, including ours, stability and business certainty are key. Therefore, we must preserve stability in a challenging and competitive global environment, where changes are happening faster than ever in all areas of life and work! Without it, even the best-designed investment policies will not yield sustainable results!

    On behalf of the National Bank of Serbia, I can promise:

    • that relative exchange rate stability has no alternative,
    • that we will support every investment that is in the interest of Serbia and our citizens.

    We carefully follow all the creativity of the new era and respond cautiously – so that no measure becomes a target for us.

    And let us never forget those who laid the foundations of the market economy, as I began with Adam Smith: The baker does not bake bread because he wants to feed us, but because he wants to make a profit. May our cooperation continue as honestly and openly as that.

    I thank you and wish you a successful conference!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei and China Telecom Win TM Forum’s Excellence Award 2025 in Data and AI Innovation

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and China Telecom Win TM Forum’s Excellence Award 2025 in Data and AI Innovation

    [Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18, 2025] At the Digital Transformation World (DTW) 2025 hosted by TM Forum, the project AI Agents Driving New Era of O&M and Transforming Customer Experience jointly created by Huawei and China Telecom won the Excellence Award 2025 in Data and AI Innovation. This prestigious international award is a testimony to the industry’s recognition of their efforts in integrating AI with communication technologies.

    Huawei and China Telecom win the excellence award in data and AI innovation

    Implementing the AI+ Strategy and Making Groundbreaking Joint Innovations
    China Telecom has spent years fine-tuning their AI+ strategy. Collaborating with its strategic partner Huawei, China Telecom established the Future Agent Joint Innovation Center to explore the application of network foundation models and agents in cloud-network operations. Through substantial advancements in key technologies like domain-specific model training and chain-of-thought optimization, the two companies have developed and deployed the Home Broadband Installation and Maintenance Agent and the Wireless Network Optimization Task Model. These developments have significantly enhanced O&M efficiency and helped upskill O&M personnel.
    Agent Applications Yield Outstanding Results and Boost Service Efficiency
    China Telecom reports that it has developed a range of AI assistants and agent applications based on its network foundation model. By the end of 2024, the total number of service invocations exceeded 46 million, with monthly active users reaching 120,000. In addition, 39 ecosystem partners have utilized these tools to create more than 2,000 AI applications. The Home Broadband Installation and Maintenance Agent revolutionizes service experience through two key innovations:

    Customer self-service: This agent supports real-time consultation and self-service troubleshooting, shifting the service model from reactive response to intelligent interaction.
    O&M efficiency: This agent assists installation and maintenance personnel in accurately locating faults, shortening the troubleshooting duration by 30% and reducing the workload of inquiry center experts by 10%. It is now applicable in all home broadband, IPTV, and home Wi-Fi scenarios. Online self-service channel usage has risen by 10%, enabling tens of millions of households to enjoy intelligent services with instant responses and zero wait times.

    The Wireless Network Optimization Task Model elevates traditional localized performance optimization, which relies on expert experience, to global experience optimization using high-precision network simulation and intelligent parameter adjustment. This enhances both quality and efficiency. In pilot regions, user experience has improved by 10% to 15%, the handling time of typical issues has reduced by 20% to 30%, and the test workloads in poor-QoE areas have decreased by 10% to 15%.
    Leading Technical Standards and Building an Industry Ecosystem
    Huawei and China Telecom have improved the accuracy of the foundation model and the success rate of agent tasks, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of AI applications. In addition, China Telecom, along with TM Forum and Huawei, has developed several standards, including lifecycle management for foundational models and technical specifications for AI agents. These standards aim to transform innovative practices into industry-wide frameworks, and expedite the intelligent transformation of the global ICT sector.
    Prospects
    This award underscores the leading role of Huawei and China Telecom in the AI+network domain. Both companies have committed to deepening their strategic partnership, driving technological innovation and standards development, and strengthening the digital transformation of the global communications industry.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards

    [Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] During MWC Shanghai 2025, China Mobile and Huawei were honored with GSMA’s Best AI Innovation in Asia Award for its industry-first AI Core Network solution. This accolade highlights the industry’s recognition of China Mobile and Huawei’s technological innovation and business practices in core network and AI, cementing its role as a pioneer in the mobile AI era.

    AI Core Network wins the Best AI Innovation in Asia Award

    The convergence of 5G-A and AI technology heralds the era of mobile AI, allowing for exponentially more connections between people, homes, and industries. This evolution drives core networks to expand the boundaries of connectivity, and meet the service demands of individuals, families, enterprises, and AI agents.
    To that end, China Mobile and Huawei have taken the lead in introducing AI to the core network, to accommodate intelligent applications with intelligent networks. The AI Core Network develops in two phases. The first phase is to build a 5G-A intelligent core network with AI agents, greatly improving the intelligent capabilities of the network, and allowing intelligent services, experiences, and O&M to be implemented. This phase also introduces computing-network convergence to address the computing power and energy challenges faced by user devices. The second phase is to reconstruct the core network as AI native, evolving into an Agentic Core. The Agentic Core can be self-generating, self-optimizing, and self-maintaining. It can dynamically adapt to diverse, real-time personalized service requirements.
    As a frontrunner of service intelligence, New Calling has been put into large-scale commercial use in China, providing innovative services such as Visualized Voice Calling, Fun Calling, and Real-time Translation. For network intelligence, the Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) solution is commercially deployed across multiple provinces in China. IPE realizes service awareness, user awareness, and network awareness, helping operators shift from traffic-based to experience-based monetization. O&M intelligence has been integrated into operators’ production systems. This has allowed the reshaping of O&M models, and greatly enhanced operations, maintenance, and customer experiences. China Mobile Zhejiang branch has pioneered the commercial use of AI agents for fault management and complaint handling. China Mobile has also worked with Huawei to develop a low-carbon core network through hardware-software collaboration, to achieve E2E system-level energy efficiency.
    George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, stated that “Integrating AI into the core network is a defining feature of the mobile AI era. Beyond this, the AI Core Network will provide a fertile ground for innovative services, accelerating the shift from an intelligent connectivity of things, to an intelligent connectivity of AI agents. Huawei will work with China Mobile and industry partners to develop more innovative services, empower more industries, and create greater business value.”
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards

    [Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] During MWC Shanghai 2025, China Mobile and Huawei were honored with GSMA’s Best AI Innovation in Asia Award for its industry-first AI Core Network solution. This accolade highlights the industry’s recognition of China Mobile and Huawei’s technological innovation and business practices in core network and AI, cementing its role as a pioneer in the mobile AI era.

    AI Core Network wins the Best AI Innovation in Asia Award

    The convergence of 5G-A and AI technology heralds the era of mobile AI, allowing for exponentially more connections between people, homes, and industries. This evolution drives core networks to expand the boundaries of connectivity, and meet the service demands of individuals, families, enterprises, and AI agents.
    To that end, China Mobile and Huawei have taken the lead in introducing AI to the core network, to accommodate intelligent applications with intelligent networks. The AI Core Network develops in two phases. The first phase is to build a 5G-A intelligent core network with AI agents, greatly improving the intelligent capabilities of the network, and allowing intelligent services, experiences, and O&M to be implemented. This phase also introduces computing-network convergence to address the computing power and energy challenges faced by user devices. The second phase is to reconstruct the core network as AI native, evolving into an Agentic Core. The Agentic Core can be self-generating, self-optimizing, and self-maintaining. It can dynamically adapt to diverse, real-time personalized service requirements.
    As a frontrunner of service intelligence, New Calling has been put into large-scale commercial use in China, providing innovative services such as Visualized Voice Calling, Fun Calling, and Real-time Translation. For network intelligence, the Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) solution is commercially deployed across multiple provinces in China. IPE realizes service awareness, user awareness, and network awareness, helping operators shift from traffic-based to experience-based monetization. O&M intelligence has been integrated into operators’ production systems. This has allowed the reshaping of O&M models, and greatly enhanced operations, maintenance, and customer experiences. China Mobile Zhejiang branch has pioneered the commercial use of AI agents for fault management and complaint handling. China Mobile has also worked with Huawei to develop a low-carbon core network through hardware-software collaboration, to achieve E2E system-level energy efficiency.
    George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, stated that “Integrating AI into the core network is a defining feature of the mobile AI era. Beyond this, the AI Core Network will provide a fertile ground for innovative services, accelerating the shift from an intelligent connectivity of things, to an intelligent connectivity of AI agents. Huawei will work with China Mobile and industry partners to develop more innovative services, empower more industries, and create greater business value.”
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT to Enable Intelligent Connections for All

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: 5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT to Enable Intelligent Connections for All

    [Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] At the GSMA IoT Summit during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2025, Eric Zhao, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Wireless Solution, delivered a keynote speech titled “5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT, Turbocharging a New AIoT Era for All”. In his speech, Zhao discussed how IoT and AI are converging and mutually enabling to make intelligent connections ubiquitous for all. “Three elements are key to achieving full AIoT. They are: all-scenario IoT that expands IoT connections to all scenarios, ultra-broadband networks that link all data to the cloud and computing resources, and intelligent applications that are driven by industry-specific models,” said Zhao.

    Eric Zhao, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Wireless Solution, delivered a keynote speech

    AI and cellular IoT are becoming more deeply intertwined, which means more and more things that are helpful in everyday lives will be connected, such as intelligent vehicles and embodied AI robots. This also means, an increasing number of intelligent applications will leverage these connections across diverse scenarios, like production lines and smart ports, to transform industries with intelligent technology. Moreover, the previously unconnected spaces will become connected, and this will enable a plethora of innovative applications, including drone-based power grid inspection, to boost smart urban governance.
    There are three key things that make these connections intelligent. First, all-scenario IoT expands connections to all scenarios, enabling the collection of all production data. Second, 5G-A ultra-broadband networks transport these data from the physical world to models in the cloud in real time. Third, industry-specific and scenario-specific models transform core production processes across industries by making applications intelligent.

    All-scenario IoT provides a growing range of devices with diverse IoT connections. 5G RedCap and Ambient IoT are joining existing technologies like NB-IoT to make all-scenario IoT possible. This will enable a great number of innovative applications, including embodied AI robots requiring real-time connections, AI-based product quality inspection requiring super-fast connections, and others applications that operate with low latency and power consumption.
    Ultra-broadband networks are possible with 5G-A technology, which offers a wide array of new capabilities, including Gbps uplink, ultra-low latency, and extensive coverage. By adding these powerful functions to networks, 5G-A allows a single network to provide IoT connections for diverse services, like those that need hyperscale data collection and on-the-fly data movement to cloud computing and industrial application platforms for AI training and inference.
    Intelligent applications are playing an increasingly prominent role, as demonstrated by the soaring numbers of deployments of industry-specific and scenario-specific models. A massive amount of quality data is needed to make these models more effective. In one intelligent manufacturing factory in Guangdong, China, AI algorithms have been integrated into 5G HD cameras to enable intelligent product quality inspection. This has not only improved overall product quality, but reduced equipment repair rates by 20% and saved annual costs by more than CNY1 million.

    Zhao concluded his speech by calling for industry-wide efforts to promote the development of cellular IoT. “We will continue to work with industry partners to develop more converged applications of cellular IoT and AI. We will develop a thriving ecosystem to usher in a new age of full intelligent IoT connectivity,” said Zhao.
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT to Enable Intelligent Connections for All

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: 5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT to Enable Intelligent Connections for All

    [Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] At the GSMA IoT Summit during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2025, Eric Zhao, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Wireless Solution, delivered a keynote speech titled “5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT, Turbocharging a New AIoT Era for All”. In his speech, Zhao discussed how IoT and AI are converging and mutually enabling to make intelligent connections ubiquitous for all. “Three elements are key to achieving full AIoT. They are: all-scenario IoT that expands IoT connections to all scenarios, ultra-broadband networks that link all data to the cloud and computing resources, and intelligent applications that are driven by industry-specific models,” said Zhao.

    Eric Zhao, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Wireless Solution, delivered a keynote speech

    AI and cellular IoT are becoming more deeply intertwined, which means more and more things that are helpful in everyday lives will be connected, such as intelligent vehicles and embodied AI robots. This also means, an increasing number of intelligent applications will leverage these connections across diverse scenarios, like production lines and smart ports, to transform industries with intelligent technology. Moreover, the previously unconnected spaces will become connected, and this will enable a plethora of innovative applications, including drone-based power grid inspection, to boost smart urban governance.
    There are three key things that make these connections intelligent. First, all-scenario IoT expands connections to all scenarios, enabling the collection of all production data. Second, 5G-A ultra-broadband networks transport these data from the physical world to models in the cloud in real time. Third, industry-specific and scenario-specific models transform core production processes across industries by making applications intelligent.

    All-scenario IoT provides a growing range of devices with diverse IoT connections. 5G RedCap and Ambient IoT are joining existing technologies like NB-IoT to make all-scenario IoT possible. This will enable a great number of innovative applications, including embodied AI robots requiring real-time connections, AI-based product quality inspection requiring super-fast connections, and others applications that operate with low latency and power consumption.
    Ultra-broadband networks are possible with 5G-A technology, which offers a wide array of new capabilities, including Gbps uplink, ultra-low latency, and extensive coverage. By adding these powerful functions to networks, 5G-A allows a single network to provide IoT connections for diverse services, like those that need hyperscale data collection and on-the-fly data movement to cloud computing and industrial application platforms for AI training and inference.
    Intelligent applications are playing an increasingly prominent role, as demonstrated by the soaring numbers of deployments of industry-specific and scenario-specific models. A massive amount of quality data is needed to make these models more effective. In one intelligent manufacturing factory in Guangdong, China, AI algorithms have been integrated into 5G HD cameras to enable intelligent product quality inspection. This has not only improved overall product quality, but reduced equipment repair rates by 20% and saved annual costs by more than CNY1 million.

    Zhao concluded his speech by calling for industry-wide efforts to promote the development of cellular IoT. “We will continue to work with industry partners to develop more converged applications of cellular IoT and AI. We will develop a thriving ecosystem to usher in a new age of full intelligent IoT connectivity,” said Zhao.
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: W Cape boosts fishing harbours

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    As part of efforts to revitalise South Africa’s proclaimed fishing harbours, government has installed new, high-visibility signage at nine key sites across the Western Cape.

    While harbour infrastructure falls under the mandate of other departments, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment remains committed to doing everything within its scope to promote operational efficiency and a welcoming, well-managed environment across all proclaimed fishing harbours.

    “These signage upgrades are more than cosmetic. They are a statement of intent. They reflect our department’s commitment to restore dignity, pride and functionality to communities who rely on our working harbours,” the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Wednesday.

    Nine of the Western Cape’s 12 proclaimed fishing harbours now sport newly installed, high-quality signage.

    The upgrades reflect government’s visible commitment to revitalising coastal communities.

    The following harbours now have new signage in place:

    • Kalk Bay – Completed on 18 June 2025.
    • Hout Bay – Completed on 18 June 2025.
    • Elands Bay – Completed on 16 June 2025.
    • Doring Bay – Completed on 16 June 2025.
    • Saldanha Bay (Pepperbay) – Completed on 16 June 2025.
    • Lamberts Bay – Completed on 14 June 2025.
    • St Helena Bay (Sandy Point) – Completed on 12 June 2025.
    • Laaiplek – Completed on 12 June 2025.
    • Yzerfontein – Initial signage installed on 25 April 2025, with further enhancements planned.

    For the remaining harbours — Arniston, Stilbay, Struisbay, Hermanus, Gansbaai and Gordons Bay — site visits have been completed, and signage is prepared for transportation and installation. 

    Final installation dates will be announced soon.

    The department said close collaboration with local teams is key to ensuring that all remaining harbours soon reflect the same level of visible progress. 

    The signage project underscores the department’s broader commitment to rejuvenating fishing communities, promoting sustainable development, and restoring the Western Cape’s harbours as vibrant centres of economic and cultural activity.

    “We are determined to uplift and improve our harbours to unlock their economic potential. Our teams are working tirelessly to finalise the remaining installations, and we look forward to celebrating the full revitalisation of these harbours,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Report shows that consumers owe municipalities R416.1 billion

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    As of 31 March 2025, total consumers debt owed to municipalities amounted to R416.1 billion when compared to R347.6 billion that was reported in the same period in 2023/24.

    This is according to a report released by National Treasury on local government revenue and expenditure for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

    “A total amount of R10.8 billion or 2.6% has been written off as bad debt. The largest component of this debt relates to households and represents 72% or R299.5 billion (73 % or R253.6 billion in the same period in 2023/24 financial year),” National Treasury said on Wednesday.

    The third quarter publication covers 257 municipalities on financial information and conditional grant information.

    “The government debt accounts for 6% or R24.9 billion (R21 billion reported in the same period in 2023/24) of the total outstanding debtors.

    “Total outstanding creditors owed by municipalities as at 31 March 2025 amount to R131.8 billion an increase from R106.7 billion reported in the same quarter in 2023/24. R111.8 billion or 84.8% has been outstanding for more than 90 days,” said Treasury.

    Provinces with the highest percentage of outstanding municipal creditors in the category greater than 90 days include the Free State at 94.4%, Mpumalanga at 93.9%, the Northern Cape at 93.8%, and the North West at 84.4%. 

    An increase in outstanding creditors could be an indication that municipalities are experiencing liquidity and cash challenges and consequently are delaying the settlement of outstanding debt owed.

    “Analysis of the collection rates indicates that while municipalities’ average collection rate on the adjusted budget is 85%, the aggregated actual collection against billed and other revenue is only 63.6 percent. The metros budgeted (adjusted budget) for a 87.9% collection rate and collected only 58.2%. The secondary cities budgeted billing was 86.3% and the actual collection was 69.7%,” it explained.

    Municipal spending

    As at 31 March 2025, aggregate spending by municipalities was at 64.9% or R432.2 billion of the total adjusted expenditure budget of R665.9 billion.

    “Aggregated billing and other revenue was 71.7% or R478 billion of the total adjusted revenue budget of R666.8 billion.

    “Capital expenditure was R26.4 billion or 33.6% of the adjusted capital budget of R78.5 billion.

    “The adjusted operating expenditure budget was R587.5 billion, of which R405.8 billion or 69.1 per cent) was spent by 31 March 2025.”

    Municipalities adjusted their salaries and wages (including remuneration of Councillors) budget from R162.6 billion in the adopted budget to R161.1 billion in the adjusted budget for the 2024/25 financial year, representing a R1.5 billion or a 0.9% decrease. 

    The budget for salaries and wages constituted 27.4 % of the total adjusted operating expenditure budget of R587.5 billion. 

    As at 31 March 2025, R114.2 billion or 70.9% of the adjusted salary budget was spent.

    Conditional Grants

    As at 31 March 2025, municipalities were allocated R44.7 billion for direct conditional grants, of which R38.9 billion has been transferred. 

    This amount excludes the Equitable Share allocation, Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) as a supplementary capital allocation to metropolitan municipalities as well as indirect grants. 

    National Transferring Officers (NTOs) reported spending of R25 billion, or 55.9%, while municipalities reported spending of R19.5 billion or 43.7% of the total allocation. 

    In comparison, during the same period in the previous financial year, NTOs reported 58.8% against the total adjusted allocation for direct conditional grants, while municipalities reported expenditure of 46.8 %.

    “There are several factors that attributed to the overall underspending of the conditional grants by municipalities during the 2024/25 financial year. Some of these factors include late submissions of business and implementation plans which hindered timely implementation, while persistent Supply Chain Management (SCM) challenges disrupted procurement processes. 

    “These issues not only affected grant performance in the third quarter but also led to reduced allocations for many municipalities during the adjustment budget process as uncommitted funds were reallocated to better-performing municipalities.

    “The impact of these challenges highlights the need for stronger municipal planning, more efficient SCM systems, and stricter enforcement of procurement regulations to prevent similar underspending in the future.”

    Treasury said the third quarter infrastructure grant performance presents a mixed picture, with R23.8 billion or 56.3% expended from the R42.8 billion allocation. 

    “While showing moderate overall progress, significant disparities exist between better-performing grants and those facing implementation challenges. While this demonstrates moderate progress, the performance varies considerably across different grants, with some showing effective implementation and others lagging behind.

    “While some grants such as the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG), Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the Regional Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) demonstrate efficient spending with expenditure over 60% by the end of the third quarter, others like the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG) and the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) remain severely underperforming. 

    “This inconsistency highlights the need for a more balanced approach in grant management, such as rewarding well-performing municipalities with additional support while imposing stricter consequences for chronic underspending. Without urgent corrective measures, critical service delivery backlogs will continue to worsen,” National Treasury said. 

    Further details on this report can be accessed on the National Treasury’s website: www.treasury.gov.za . – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape holds Provincial Day of Mourning for storm victims

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Eastern Cape Provincial Government is today hosting a Provincial Day of Mourning in honour of the victims of last week’s floods.

    Thursday’s ceremony which will take place at King Sabatha Dalindyebo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Mthatha will bring together government leaders and community members to pay tribute to the lives lost in the storms.

    The death toll in the tragedy currently stands at 92, including a teenage girl whose body was recovered along the Mthatha River on Wednesday. The total number of fatalities in Mthatha alone are at 68.

    “Mthatha in the OR Tambo District Municipality remain the hardest hit across the province and the number of deceased persons may continue to rise. Progress has been made with the processing of the bodies as 86 bodies have now been positively identified, with 83 collected by family members.

    “Five bodies remain unidentified. The Provincial Government is still urging members of the public to report any missing persons at their nearest police station to assist ongoing recovery and identification efforts,” provincial spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie said in a statement.

    Rantjie said the provincial government continues to work tirelessly to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to 4 308 individuals that have been left homeless across the province.

    Processes are underway to ensure the provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs).

    “Significant progress has also been made in the restoration of critical infrastructure. The OR Tambo District Municipality has reported steady advancements in the restoration of water supply systems. Full restoration is anticipated across all affected areas by Friday, 21 June 2025,” Rantjie said.

    READ | Death toll in Eastern Cape floods rises to 90

    In the Amathole District Municipality, operations at the Butterworth Water Treatment Works (WTW) have resumed following the successful repairs to the high lift and backwash pumps. Water supply has also been restored in most areas.

    However, the provincial government said high-lying communities are still facing limited access as the system stabilises, and this will take some additional time to recover fully.

    Authorities continue to monitor the situation and conduct assessments to quantify the full restoration across all affected communities.

    Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has commended South Africans and the world for the provision of much needed support to reach people in dire need.

    “We are encouraged by the outpouring of love and support from all corners of the globe. The Provincial Government remains committed to working alongside municipalities, national departments, and civil society to restore dignity and livelihoods across the province,” Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Symposium looks into impact of political funding law

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says the Party Funding in SA symposium has been convened to assess the implementation and impact of South Africa’s political funding law.

    The first-ever symposium on political funding follows four years of implementing the Political Funding Act of 2018, which came into effect on 1 April 2021.

    Held under the theme: “Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding Regulation in South Africa”, the symposium aims to foster informed dialogue on matters related to the use of money in politics, promote transparency and accountability models, as well as possible reforms to ensure an effective political finance regulatory regime in South Africa.

    WATCH |

    [embedded content]

    Speaking at the two-day symposium held in Durban, Mamabolo on Wednesday said an assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure mechanisms for political parties must be conducted.

    “While the [Political Funding Act] was designed to enhance transparency, concerns remain about the opacity of certain contributions, the adequacy of public reporting and the efficacy of the enforcement framework,” he said.

    He said they must consider the law’s impact on the promotion of multi-party democracy.  

    “As is always necessary in evaluating regulatory frameworks, comparative analysis will be provided to juxtapose our own experiences with regulatory frameworks that… from other democracies around the world.

    “I urge all participants, regardless of ideological persuasion, to see this moment not as a burden, but as an opportunity, a chance to improve a law that touches the very soul of our democratic practice,” Mamabolo said.

    He said the symposium must evaluate the current framework with a view to providing the policymaker, which is Parliament, with proposals to strengthen the regulatory framework.

    “Let our debates be rigorous, but respectful. Let our differences sharpen the outcome, not delay it, and let our unity be in service of something far greater than any single party: our democracy itself,” he said.

    The symposium convenes a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, Members of Parliament, academia, civil society, media, the business sector, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations. 

    In Pictures | Symposium on political party funding in SA 

    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Future Hospitality Summit underway in Cape Town

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed delegates from across the world to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa which is currently underway in Cape Town.

    For over a decade the Future Hospitality Summit Africa – previously known as AHIF – has served as a launchpad for hospitality investment across the continent, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape. 

    The summit, which began on Tuesday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), gathers global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders who are dedicated to turning potential into reality. The summit concludes on Thursday, 19 June.

    In his address, Meyer emphasised the province’s dynamic role in shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

    “Cape Town is not just a backdrop; it is a beacon of possibility. But our world-class infrastructure, stable governance, and vibrant economic ecosystem make the Western Cape Africa’s gateway to investment,” Meyer said. 

    The MEC also touched on the upcoming Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, which is set to take place from 5-7 November.

    This summit serves as a transformative platform aimed at connecting global capital with high-impact opportunities.

    Aligned with the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, the summit seeks to attract R200 billion in direct investment, to develop an inclusive R1 trillion economy that grows at an annual rate of 3-5% by 2035.

    According to the provincial department, the hospitality and tourism sectors are essential components of this vision.

    In April 2025, Cape Town’s hotels recorded an impressive occupancy rate of 72.5%, along with a 20.1% year-on-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR).

    Meanwhile, the luxury properties led the charge, reinforcing the city’s status as a global tourism hub.

    The summit will showcase investment-ready projects across nine sectors, with tourism and hospitality offering premium experiences, cultural capital, and tech-driven innovation. 

    The gathering will provide streamlined regulatory support, expedited approvals, and direct access to key decision-makers.
    Meyer concluded with a call to action to join the Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, aiming to shape the future of hospitality and tourism in Africa.

    “Together, we can create jobs, uplift communities, and position the Western Cape as Africa’s investment leader.” – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What to expect from the ‘Summer Davos’ AMNC; and what the West gets wrong about China

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 – AMNC25 – will bring together leaders from government, business and academia, along with innovators and representatives from international organizations, media and civil society.

    In this special episode produced in collaboration with Caixin Global, World Economic Forum Managing Director Mirek Dusek sets the scene for the ‘Summer Davos’ in Tianjin, China. And Jen Zhu Scott, founding partner of IN. Capital, gives an insider’s view of China and its place in the world.

    Co-hosted by Li Xin, managing editor of Caixin Global.
    Catch up on all the action from AMNC25 at wef.ch/amnc25 and across social media using the hashtag #AMNC25.

    Links:
    AMNC25: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/annual-meeting-of-the-new-champions-2025/
    Caixin Global: https://www.caixinglobal.com/

    Related podcasts:
    Getting sustainable, secure and equitable power to the people – how’s the global energy transition going?
    Stock markets and supermarkets: how business is deploying AI
    “Trillions of dollars added to the economy” – Google’s chief economist on the macro impact of AI

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts:
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    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_P1lDw-4t0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • India gears up for IYD 2025 with theme: ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is rolling out a wide range of events across the country under this year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

    The main event, Yoga Sangam, will feature a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over one lakh locations across India. The nationwide event is scheduled for June 21, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebration from Visakhapatnam, where over 2.5 lakh participants are expected to perform yoga together — an attempt to set a new world record. This collective celebration underscores India’s continued commitment to yoga as a timeless tool for well-being and sustainability.

    Yoga, an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, has become one of the most trusted practices to enhance both physical and mental health. Derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite,” yoga symbolises the unity of mind and body, thought and action, discipline and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature.

    Recognising yoga’s universal appeal, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. The draft resolution was introduced by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

    Prime Minister Modi first proposed the idea in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The date, June 21, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising balance between nature and wellness — a concept rooted in many cultures worldwide.

    The first International Yoga Day was celebrated in 2015, and since then, the event has grown into a global wellness movement. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, participation has risen exponentially — from 9.59 crore people in 2018 to an estimated 24.53 crore in 2024, demonstrating its massive global appeal.

    This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply with India’s G20 presidency vision — One Earth, One Family, One Future. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual health, planetary sustainability, and collective well-being.

    Elaborating on the symbolism of the International Yoga Day logo, the Ministry of AYUSH explained that the folded hands represent the union of individual and universal consciousness, regarded as the core principle of yoga.

    Each element of the logo carries deeper meaning: the brown leaves signify the Earth element, green represents Nature, blue denotes Water, brightness symbolizes Fire, and the Sun stands for the ultimate source of energy and inspiration.

    Together, the logo embodies the values of harmony, peace, and holistic well-being for all of humanity.

    As part of the celebrations, the PM Yoga Awards will be conferred to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions in promoting and practising yoga. The awards aim to honour excellence and encourage the widespread adoption of yoga as a daily practice.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Uttarakhand aims to be global yoga hub, says CM Dhami ahead of International Yoga Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday hailed the state as the land of yoga and sages, while highlighting the government’s efforts to promote yoga at the grassroots level.

    Joined by officers and staff, Dhami performed yoga at his residence and urged the people of Uttarakhand to incorporate the ancient practice into their daily lives.

    “Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a journey towards inner peace and self-realisation. It is a means to calm the mind and reach the depths of consciousness,” the Chief Minister said.

    Emphasising yoga’s deep roots in Indian culture, Dhami described it as a fundamental pillar of Sanatan Dharma, which has long prioritised human values and holistic well-being.

    “This is why yoga has become an integral part of the lives of crores of people across the world, establishing the Indian way of life on the global stage,” he added.

    The Chief Minister also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to designate an International Day of Yoga. The resolution received support from 177 countries and led to the annual observance of Yoga Day on June 21.

    Dhami noted that yoga has also become a source of livelihood, generating employment opportunities in India and abroad. To strengthen this momentum, the state government has introduced a Yoga Policy aimed at establishing Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga and wellness.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • Finnish parliament votes to withdraw from landmines treaty

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Finland’s parliament voted on Thursday in favour of withdrawing the country from the Ottawa Convention that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines amid concerns over a military threat posed by neighbouring Russia.

    Finland joins other European Union and NATO members bordering Russia – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland – in exiting or planning to exit the treaty, as fears grow about their much larger neighbour.

    President Alexander Stubb, who leads Finland’s foreign and security policy, on Tuesday defended the move.

    “The reality in the endgame is that we have as our neighbouring country an aggressive, imperialist state called Russia, which itself is not a member of the Ottawa Treaty and which itself uses landmines ruthlessly,” he said.

    Russia has used landmines in its invasion of Ukraine.

    The Finnish decision follows similar votes in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where parliaments have already approved the withdrawal.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi hails India’s rise in QS World University Rankings 2026

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed India’s significant improvement in the QS World University Rankings 2026, calling it a reflection of the country’s growing stature in global education.

    Responding to a post on X by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi said, “The QS World University 2026 Rankings bring great news for our education sector. Our government is committed to furthering research and innovation ecosystems for the benefit of India’s youth.”

    A record 54 Indian institutions have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emerging as the top-ranked Indian institution nationally.

    The education minister said the improvement was the result of education reforms introduced over the past decade, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

    “This five-fold jump — from just 11 institutions in 2014 to 54 in 2026 — is a testament to the transformative reforms brought in by the Modi government over the last ten years,” he said. “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is not just changing our education system; it is revolutionising it.”

    According to the Ministry of Education, India has seen an “unprecedented rise” in representation, with more universities than ever earning a place in the global rankings. The ministry stated that India is now the fastest-growing G20 country in the QS rankings, recording a 390 percent increase in the number of ranked institutions over the past decade.

  • SAIL supplies entire special steel requirement for Indian Navy’s INS Arnala

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant boost to India’s defence self-reliance efforts, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the complete requirement of special steel for the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala. The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Wednesday.

    The steel supplied by SAIL has been used entirely in the construction of INS Arnala, reflecting a major stride in the country’s journey towards indigenisation and reduced import dependency in the defence manufacturing sector.

    INS Arnala is the lead ship in a series of eight ASW-SWC corvettes being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. SAIL has provided the complete special-grade steel requirement for all eight vessels under this project.

    As a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking and the largest steel producer in India, SAIL has consistently supported the nation’s defence infrastructure. The company has played a vital role in several indigenous defence projects. In addition to INS Arnala, SAIL has previously supplied special steel for notable naval platforms such as INS Vikrant, INS Vindhyagiri, INS Nilgiri, and INS Surat.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Peter Kyle’s speech at Giant Ideas

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Peter Kyle’s speech at Giant Ideas

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, delivered a speech at the Giant Ideas event on Monday 16 June 2025.

    I speak to you having just wrapped up what was, in my department, one of the biggest weeks of the year.

    It was the outcome of the Spending Review.

    The Data Bill, after months, passed into law. And it was also London Tech Week.

    If you haven’t been before, think of it like Coachella. But swap Lady Gaga for tech founders in leather jackets, blue jeans and Britney mics.

    This was my 2nd Tech Week, but this year felt different.

    Not just because it was my first as Tech Secretary.

    But because the atmosphere had changed.

    The optimism was more tangible. The energy more urgent.

    The atmosphere in Olympia more excited and exciting.

    Nowhere was that excitement more obvious than when it came to securing the UK’s stake in a future shaped by AI.

    You had the Prime Minister announcing a £1 billion investment, to make our computing power 20x greater by 2030.

    You had buzz from international investors. Who have poured £45 billion into AI here since July.

    And you had Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, declaring that the UK had reached a ‘Goldilocks’ moment: When our combination of world-class universities, AI start-ups and sheer ambition makes Britain ‘Just right’ as an investment destination.

    It won’t surprise you to know that I agree.

    We will turn our country into an AI superpower. But our ambition alone won’t define us.

    What will define us is how we achieve that ambition. Last week, I was reminded of the question in my mind the day I came into office:

    How do we shape the future of AI in a way that is progressive? In a way that leaves no one behind?

    Because we tend to talk about AI as an unstoppable force.

    But progress is never inevitable. It can be halted in its tracks.

    Fourteen years of slow or no growth, declining family incomes and a decaying public realm prove that. How change happens – and who benefits – is up to us.

    We have agency over what the age of AI looks like.

    It could be a Wild West Story, where the strongest and boldest make most – and the rest make do.

    Or it could be a story about opportunity and security. Where we all benefit from the scope and scale, health and wealth of the progressive change it brings.

    The way I see it, we can use our agency to shape 3 things:

    • Where we build.

    • Who does the building.

    • And what products come out the other side.

    Let me take each in turn.

    First, where we build.

    Where we build

    Technology has always promised to be the great equaliser.

    But that promise has proved elusive. For decades, the way we have invested in technology has been a tale of 2 Britains:

    Growth concentrated in the wealthiest parts of our country.

    With communities elsewhere left dependent on traditional industries.

    This time, we can do things differently.

    The unique geography of AI turns our country’s economic map on its head.

    The places that languished in the wake of 1980s de-industrialisation make prime locations for AI infrastructure. Because they’re often the only places that can supply enough power. And enough space to exploit it.

    These are the areas we’ll be looking to prioritise as we create AI Growth Zones: Hotspots of infrastructure that will crowd in private investment.

    When we asked communities to put themselves forward, over 200 places enthusiastically responded. The hunger for AI is not just coming from government and big businesses. But from across Britain.

    For the places that qualify, the results will be transformative. Because I’m not talking about a data centre as an anonymous black box by the side of the motorway. An economic island cut off from the surrounding area, with very few jobs and opportunities for working people.

    But as a hub that attracts AI start-ups and scale-ups.

    Creates new campuses for training and knowledge-transfer.

    And starts a ripple effect of good, future-proofed jobs, with all the economic security that brings.

    Where the excess heat from that data centre is not wasted. But used to power local homes, boost agricultural production, warm community swimming pools.

    For that vision to work, local people must be at the core.

    That takes me to who does the building.

    Who does the building

    A progressive approach to AI is impossible without a population with the skills to be part of it.

    We have to equip people with what they need to seize the extraordinary opportunities this technology brings.

    A few days ago, the Prime Minister kick-started a national AI skills drive. It will upskill people at every age, every stage of education, across the country.

    From new funding for TechFirst, giving students in every secondary school in Britain the chance to start a career in tech. To a partnership with industry, equipping 7.5 million UK workers with essential AI skills by 2030.

    These are exciting, decent jobs in the industries of tomorrow, for Britain’s prosperous communities of the future. If we can show people that, we will persuade them that it pays to be shapers of AI.

    I want to show them that it pays to be consumers of it, too.

    That takes us to what we build.

    What we build

    We sometimes talk about AI in a way that’s removed from real life.

    Abstract headlines about ‘growth’ or ‘revolution’ don’t give people much to hold on to.

    I want to show people that AI isn’t just an idea for the newsroom or the boardroom. But a reality in the classroom, the doctor’s office, the operating theatre. Because across the UK, there are researchers and companies using AI for the public good.

    Last week, I announced a project called OpenBind.

    At the Harwell Science Campus in Oxford, our best scientists will come together. To build the world’s biggest set of data on how drugs interact with the proteins in our bodies. Better data means better AI models. Models that can predict which compounds will turn into cures. As Demis Hassabis said himself, this is a brilliant initiative for UK science.

    Breakthroughs we make here could cut the cost of developing treatments by up to £100 billion. And see us not just treating disease. But beating it for good.

    I began by arguing that the state has agency over how we build AI.

    Perhaps the ultimate way to use it is by not only by backing others who build it. But by building it ourselves. With a smarter, smaller state that works better for the people we’re here to serve. Take the AI-powered chatbot we’ve built for GOV.UK.

    Soon, you won’t have to trawl through 500,000 pages to apply for Universal Credit or work out your tax code. The answer will come to you. Giving people more time to do the things they like with the people they love.

    It isn’t always easy to explain to people what AI means for them.

    With tools like this, we don’t need to tell them.

    We can let them discover the power of AI for themselves.

    As we find ourselves in the ‘Goldilocks’ moment, there is no time to waste.

    We have a small window to decide how this revolution will differ from those which came before.

    To make sure this isn’t the same tale of 2 Britains.

    By building in the places that have been left behind for too long. By giving everyone in the country the opportunity to do well, for themselves and their families, in the digital age.

    And by building things that make their lives easier, healthier, happier.

    The agency to do all of those things sits with us. We’ve just got to have the courage and the conviction to use it, positively and progressively.

    To create opportunity and security for all.

    For me, that really is the Giant Idea.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vulnerable people given greater access to social housing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Vulnerable people given greater access to social housing

    New changes to remove local connection rules for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse to access social housing.

    • Care leavers under 25 and victims of domestic abuse to benefit from removal of local connection rules
    • Follows £39 billion investment in affordable and social housing to deliver biggest expansion in a generation 
    • Delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, providing people with safe and secure housing and raising living standards

    Young people leaving care and domestic abuse survivors will now have better access to social housing, as the government delivers on its promise to remove a local connection requirement for these groups.

    New changes, which come into force next month, will exempt them from rules that restrict access to social housing for those that do not have a connection to the local area – making sure the most vulnerable in society can access the housing support they need.  

    This change applies to all councils in England, nearly 90% of which currently use local connection criteria to determine who qualifies for social housing. It follows reforms last year to remove barriers for all former UK Armed Forces Veterans, as pledged by the Prime Minister.

    Under the new rules, care leavers under the age of 25 and domestic abuse survivors will no longer be unfairly penalised for not having a local connection; recognising the unique challenges they can face, such as transitioning out of care or fleeing an unsafe home to seek safety.

    It comes as the government committed £39 billion for a new ten-year Affordable Homes Programme, supporting the Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes and tackle housing waiting lists for families and young people across the country.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

    “It breaks my heart to hear countless stories of people leaving the care system or fleeing an abusive relationship and not having a place they can truly call home. We’re rewriting the rules to help get them a roof over their heads and the security they deserve.

    “Our changes will make sure these vulnerable groups do not face unfair barriers to safe and secure housing. This is backed by our commitment to secure the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, and through our Plan for Change we are going further and faster to make this a reality.”

    Last year the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to local councils reminding them of their obligations to prioritise vulnerable groups for social housing. Government guidance will be updated to reflect these changes.  

    Additional support includes:

    • £160 million for councils to help provide safe accommodation and support for domestic abuse survivors and meet their statutory duty to help victims and their children when they need it the most – increased by £30 million this year.
    • New legislation proposed to ensure young care leavers in scope of the council’s corporate parenting duty have access to housing and cannot be considered ‘intentionally homeless’.
    • An £800 million top-up for the current Affordable Homes Programme to ramp up the delivery of new social homes.  
    • Proposed Right to Buy reforms to protect council housing stock and a new ten-year social rent settlement to give the sector the certainty it needs to build more social homes.

    CEO of Become, Katharine Sacks-Jones said:

    “We welcome these new regulations that will allow more care leavers to access social housing where they are. Too many children in care are moved away from the people and places that matter to them and then made to move back to their local authority area once they turn 18 to access social housing support.  

    “Removing the local connection test will prevent forced moves, could help reduce homelessness and give care leavers a more positive start to adulthood.”

    Director of Policy and Prevention at Centrepoint, Balbir Kaur Chatrik said:

    “Removing this barrier will reduce homelessness and rough sleeping amongst care leavers and help them to thrive. 

    “Care leavers are often extremely vulnerable young people and lack the support networks that many of us take for granted. Despite this they often find it a real struggle to access the stable housing they need to thrive because they lack a local connection. The government’s change will hopefully stop this practice and ensure young people can get the stable and affordable homes they deserve. 

    “It’s also an important step towards ending youth homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable. Taken together with funding for prevention and housebuilding, this brings us a bit closer over the short- and long-term towards ensuring young people are getting the support they need.”

    Further information

    The government will publish a written ministerial statement today setting out new changes for young care leavers and domestic abuse survivors. The regulations will come into force on Thursday 10 July.  

    On 24 September, the Prime Minister set out his ambition to improve access to social housing for former UK Armed Forces Veterans, young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse.  

    While the changes remove a specific barrier for these vulnerable groups, the allocation of social housing is still at the discretion of the local housing authority.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tax gap estimated at 5.3%

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tax gap estimated at 5.3%

    The estimated tax gap for the 2023 to 2024 tax year is £46.8 billion.

    • The government has announced plans to raise a further £7.5 billion through its measures to close the tax gap.
    • The largest share of the gap is from small business non-compliance.

    The tax gap estimate – the difference between what tax is expected to be paid and actually paid – was 5.3% for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, figures published today (19 June 2025) show.

    While £46.8 billion was unpaid in the 2023 to 2024 tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collected £829.2 billion, representing 94.7% of all tax due.

    Every year, HMRC estimates the tax gap using the most up to date information available, though figures may be revised as more data becomes available. In line with standard practice, previous years’ tax gap estimates have been amended as part of today’s announcement, including the tax gap for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, which has been revised upwards from 4.8% (£39.8 billion) to 5.6% (£46.4 billion). This is due to improvements in data quality, the availability of more up-to-date information and methodology changes.

    Some of the key findings from this year’s calculations show:

    • small businesses represent the largest proportion of the tax gap (60%)
    • Corporation Tax accounts for 40% of the total tax gap
    • failure to take reasonable care (31%), error (15%) and evasion (14%) are among the main behavioural reasons for the overall tax gap

    Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray MP, has set out his three priorities for HMRC: closing the tax gap, improving customer services, and modernising and reforming the tax and customs system.

    Mr Murray said:

    Every pound of tax uncollected puts a greater burden on honest taxpayers and deprives our public services of vital funding.

    In our first year in office, we have set out plans to raise an extra £7.5 billion through the most ambitious ever package to close the tax gap. We are determined to go further and faster to make sure everyone pays their fair share, and help to deliver our Government’s Plan for Change.

    HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) programme is helping to reduce the element of the tax gap caused by error and failure to take reasonable care. Up to the end of the 2029 to 2030 tax year, MTD for VAT is predicted to deliver more than £4 billion in tax revenue by reducing errors. MTD for Income Tax will be introduced from April 2026 and is expected to generate £1.95 billion in additional tax revenue by the end of the 2029 to 2030 tax year.

    As announced at Spending Review 2025, £1.7 billion will be provided to HMRC over four years to fund an additional 5,500 compliance and 2,400 debt management staff – to ensure more of the tax due is paid, to fund public services. Measures to close the tax gap announced by the Chancellor at Autumn Budget 2024 and Spring Statement 2025 will raise an extra £7.5 billion in revenue.

    Further Information

    The Measuring Tax Gaps 2025 report was published today, 19 June 2025.

    HMRC’s tax gap estimates are official statistics produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics, which assures objectivity and integrity. Tax gap estimates are reviewed each year to reflect updated data and methodologies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Compensation for Post Office Capture victims

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Compensation for Post Office Capture victims

    Postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software today have certainty about the structure, scope and eligibility criteria for redress.

    • Over £1bn paid out in financial redress to thousands of postmasters across the UK affected by the Horizon IT Scandal as part of our Plan for Change
    • Details of the Capture Redress Scheme announced today, marking ongoing commitment to right past wrongs for those affected.
    • Scheme to provide fair redress and a common sense approach, with claims reviewed by independent panel.

    Postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software today have certainty about the structure, scope and eligibility criteria for redress.

    Capture was a faulty computer system used by postmasters in the 1990s, before the Horizon scandal.

    In a move to right the wrongs of the past, the government has set out the details for the Capture Redress Scheme, designed to provide fair compensation for those who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software between 1992 and 2000.

    This follows the government’s acceptance of findings from the independent investigation by Kroll Associates, which concluded there was a reasonable likelihood that Capture created financial shortfalls for postmasters.

    The scheme is expected to open for applications in Autumn 2025, with an initial phased rollout for 150 claimants to ensure the process is fair, proportionate and accessible before wider implementation.

    This announcement follows on the footsteps of the government confirming that £1 billion has paid out in compensation to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal, and the opening of the Horizon Shortfalls Scheme Appeals process for all eligible postmasters in May.  

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    “We are committed to delivering fair and swift redress for all postmasters affected by Post Office software failures as part of our Plan for Change. Today’s announcement represents another important step in righting the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust in the Post Office.”

    A fair and accessible approach

    The Capture Redress Scheme has been specifically designed to address the unique challenges of cases dating back over two decades, where documentation may be limited. The Government will set out funding to cover postmasters’ legal costs in the coming weeks.  

    The scheme features:

    • A straightforward two-stage process: an initial eligibility review followed by an independent panel assessment
    • Prompt preliminary payments for eligible claimants, ensuring early acknowledgement of loss
    • A holistic assessment approach that considers both financial losses and wider personal impact
    • A guided scoring and banding model for consistency in awards while maintaining flexibility

    Who can apply

    Postmasters are eligible to apply if they:

    • Were a postmaster between 1992 and 2000
    • Used the Capture system in their branch
    • Suffered a financial shortfall as a result of a Capture software error

    Applications from relatives of deceased postmasters or those needing additional support will also be accepted.

    Independent assessment

    All eligible claims will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts operating entirely separately from government. The panel will:

    • Take a holistic view of each claim, avoiding drawn out legal processes and providing fair redress even where evidence is low.
    • Use a balance of probabilities standard of proof
    • Recommend appropriate payment levels
    • Provide claimants the right to appeal in certain circumstances

    Notes to editors

    1. The Capture system was used in Post Office branches between 1992 and 2000, predating the better-known Horizon system.
    2. Those with criminal convictions related to Capture should pursue their cases through the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) or its Scottish equivalent.
    3. Further details on applying to the Capture Redress Scheme will be published in the coming months.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to UKHSA announcement of a rabies case in individual from UK following contact with animal in Morocco

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on UKHSA announcing a rabies case in an individual that had contact with an animal in Morocco. 

    Dr Chris Smith, Clinical Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:

    “Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Although cases in UK travellers are very rare, this recent tragic case underscores the importance of awareness and timely treatment.

    “Rabies is endemic in many parts of the world, including popular holiday destinations such as Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. All human rabies cases reported in the UK since 1902 have been acquired abroad: typically through dog bites. Since 1946, 26 imported cases have been reported, with the most recent prior to this being in 2018, following a bite from a cat in Morocco.

    “Travellers to countries where rabies is present should seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination.

    “Rabies is usually transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often dogs, but also cats and bats. Even a minor scratch or lick on broken skin can pose a risk. If exposed, immediate first aid is essential: the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – including a course of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin – should be sought. These interventions are highly effective when started early.”

    “The key public health messages are:

    • Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease
    • Seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination when visiting high-risk countries
    • Avoid contact with animals abroad; if bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately — don’t wait for symptoms to appear”

     

    Further information

    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rabies-epidemiology-transmission-and-prevention

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rabies-risks-by-country/rabies-risks-in-terrestrial-animals-by-country

    Declared interests

    Dr Chris Smith: No conflicts to declare.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to a meta-analysis looking at the effect of Rapamycin, Metformin, and dietary restriction on lifespan in vertebrates

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A meta-analysis published in Aging Cell looks at the effect of Rapamycin, Metformin, and Dietary Restriction on non-human vertebrate lifespan.

    Dr David Clancy, Lecturer in Biogerontology, Lancaster University, said:

    “Diet restriction seems to extend lifespan significantly but is hard to do, and certainly no fun. So Ivimey-Cook et al decided to look at hundreds of datasets across 8 species of vertebrate which examined lifespan effects of diet restriction (DR), the immune suppressant drug rapamycin and the diabetes drug metformin. Both drugs have been extensively tested for lifespan extension. The closest species to humans were rhesus monkeys (4 studies) and the furthest from humans were fish (4 studies). The most common were mice and rats (210 studies).

    “This well-done study showed DR and rapamycin extending lifespan with significant consistency across studies, in both sexes, DR probably a little greater than rapamycin. However metformin did not. That is a pity for the many people now taking off-label metformin for lifespan extension. Let’s hope it doesn’t have any or many adverse effects.

    “Rapamycin is used mainly as an immune suppressant in kidney transplant. Oddly it may be slightly toxic to kidneys in humans but has not been tested in non-renal patients, and not over the long term as in these lifespan studies. Early experiments in flies and worms show that it needs the cell process known as autophagy to exert its lifespan extension. This is the process whereby cells ‘clean’ themselves of damaged and misfolded proteins and other damaged biomolecules and cell components and recycle them. Unsurprisingly research is looking for stimulators of autophagy (which DR achieves, and exercise), and is searching for ‘rapalogues’ – molecules similar in action to rapamycin but ideally smaller, less complex molecules with no immune system or other ‘off-target’ effects.”

     

    Prof Dame Linda Partridge, Professorial Fellow, UCL, said:

    “This meta-analysis of published studies of the effects on vertebrate animals of dietary restriction (DR) and two licensed drugs, metformin and rapamycin, finds that only DR and rapamycin consistently extend lifespan. They do so to about the same extent and with similar effects in males and females. Dietary restriction is long established as ameliorating many of the adverse effects of ageing, The discovery of lifespan extension from rapamycin is more recent. In mice irapamycin also holds back several ageing-related pathologies. The finding that DR and rapamycin have effects of similar magnitude on lifespan across species implies that rapamycin is a candidate for repurposing for prevention of ageing-related pathologies in humans. Other licensed drugs may be similarly geroprotective, and more work is needed to investigate their potential to prevent deterioration of health in older people. Given that many of the candidate drugs are off patent, public and charity funding may be needed to investigate the potential of these drugs for prevention of age-related diseases.”

     

    Prof Lynne Cox, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, said:

    “Research into ageing understandably attracts a lot of public interest. For most people, retaining their health is more important than the exact length of time they live, but it is also the case that increased lifespan usually reflects better health, and in the scientific laboratory, lifespan (time from birth to death) is clear and easy to measure.

    “Dietary restriction (DR, i.e. cutting down on overall food intake, reducing calories or undertaking periods of fasting) has been widely reported to increase lifespan in experimental animals. But it is very hard for people to achieve DR for long periods, and in fact research suggests that it is actually harmful for older adults to cut down on how much they eat.

    “Scientists have therefore looked for ways of achieving lifespan extension without having to stick to a highly restrictive diet, using drugs that might mimic DR, particularly rapamycin and metformin. Each drug has been reported to increase lifespan in multiple scientific reports. In this new study, the researchers compare results from 167 scientific papers studying the effect on lifespan of dietary restriction, metformin or rapamycin. They conclude that DR and rapamycin (but not metformin) increase lifespan in all vertebrate species analysed, and that males and females equally benefit.

    “The difficulties these researchers encountered when trying to find original raw data highlights a major problem in the ageing field – the lack of transparency and accessibility of lifespan data so that others can cross check and carry out further analysis. They also report far fewer studies on females compared with males – again a major issue with biomedical research.

    “The paper is an interesting first-pass analysis, but it doesn’t take into account the really important aspect of drug dosing or duration, which can have huge impacts on healthspan and lifespan; a very high dose of a drug might be toxic, while much lower doses of the drug could be beneficial. Dosing is particularly important with rapamycin which is immunosuppressive at high doses but immunosupportive at low doses. Similarly, metformin either increases or decreases lifespan in mice according to dose. It is therefore vital that the drug dose, duration of treatment, and the age of the individual at which the drug is administered, are all taken into account when analysing lifespan effects.  By drawing together results from so many studies across different vertebrate species, this paper is a step in the right direction but highlights the need for even more studies that provide important information on age, dose and treatment duration, as well as correlations with detailed health measures.”

     

    Prof Neil Mabbott, Personal Chair of Immunopathology, Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, said:

    “Many studies have described how interventions such as dietary restriction can extend lifespans in experimental settings.  However, the impact that some of these approaches have on lifespans has occasionally been inconsistent, or not observed, when repeated in different animal species or laboratories. To address these concerns the authors have analysed over 900 effect sizes across 167 studies to compare the reported effects of three interventions on their ability to extend lifespan.  Their analysis revealed that dietary restriction or treatment with the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin were equally effective in extending lifespans in the animal species used in those studies. 

    “This is an interesting and useful study, but more research is now required to uncover how these treatments extend lifespans.  Furthermore, none of the studies the authors compared described effects in humans.  So it is uncertain whether the effects described in animals such as laboratory mice, rats, dogs, macaques, fish and mouse lemurs, are also applicable to humans.

    “With advances in health care etc. lifespans across the world are forecast to steadily increase.  While this is obviously to be welcomed, an increased elderly population does bring with it challenges, especially to health care providers.  In this study the authors compared how effective the different interventions were on extending lifespan.  However, rather than simply focusing on lifespan duration, we should also focus our efforts on extending the health-span.  This is the period of our lives in which we live healthily and disease-free.  While this study found consistent effects on lifespan, it is uncertain whether these interventions have a similar impact on the health-span.  Living a lot longer but with the multiple morbidities that can accompany aging is perhaps not the best thing.  Treatments that can improve the duration of those healthy years, will themselves feedback into increased lifespans.”

    Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Co-director of the Healthy Lifespan Institute, University of Sheffield, said:

    “This meta-analysis compiles existing data on the effects of dietary restriction (DR), metformin, and rapamycin on lifespan across multiple species, but its findings—particularly regarding DR and rapamycin—should be interpreted with caution. While the authors report no significant differences between these two interventions or between sexes, this may reflect limitations in the underlying data, and its heterogeneity, rather than a true absence of effect. Both rapamycin and DR have demonstrated sex-specific and context-dependent effects on longevity in numerous experimental models, especially in mice. Moreover, the analysis cannot address key translational questions, such as dose dependency and timing of intervention—factors that are particularly important given rapamycin’s known side effects. Perhaps more critically, the study focuses on lifespan rather than healthspan, and it is well established that longer life does not necessarily mean more years in good health. Although the study reinforces general principles about the influence of these interventions on longevity, its relevance to human ageing and therapeutic translation is limited, and claims of equivalence should be treated with caution.”

    Dr Laura Sinclair, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Exeter, said:

    “The team made use of the powerful tool of meta-analysis to look at how dietary restriction, metformin and rapamycin affect longevity across published experimental research studies.

    “As one might expect, a drug’s effect on lifespan can be quite difficult to assess in humans, so research often uses model organisms for assessing lifespan, while human studies focus more on age-related diseases. For example, the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) Trial in the US will use mortality and a combination of age-related disease indications to examine metformin’s effects on ageing and lifespan.

    “The team analysed data from lots of experiments from other studies. Most of the experiments that the team studied will have involved giving an animal a treatment and measuring their lifespan compared to a control group of animals not given the treatment. The dietary restriction treatment may have consisted of giving the animal less food, less time to eat and/or less nutrition in their food.

    Dietary restriction is well known to increase longevity across many studies in animals, but its effects are difficult to replicate in people in the real world for many reasons.

    “When you eat less, lots of nutrition-sensing pathways are affected in your cells. These pathways overlap a lot with cell-controlling pathways that are associated with living longer. It is important to study these pathways as targeting them might help us be able to live healthier in older age. It is also important to consider sex differences as some differences in response between sexes have been observed in other studies.

    ‘Rapamycin, not metformin, mirrors dietary restriction-2driven lifespan extension in vertebrates: a meta-analysis’ by Ivimey-Cook et al. will be published in Aging Cell at 00:01 UK time on Thursday 19th June, which is when the embargo will lift.

    Declared interests

    Prof Neil Mabbott “I have no conflicts of interest to declare”

    Prof Ilaria Bellantuono “I am consulting for Holland and Barrett.”

    Dr Laura Sinclair “My project is currently funded by the charity, Animal-Free Research UK”

    Prof Lynne Cox “Lynne Cox is a biochemist at the university of Oxford. She runs the Lab of Ageing and Cell Senescence in Oxford, and has strong research interest in rapamycin and drugs that act in similar ways to preserve healthspan. She has served for the past 3 years as co-director of the UK Ageing research Networks (UKAN) and is currently Program Director of Dynamic Resilience, a $60m global healthspan program co-funded by Wellcome Leap and Temasek Trust.”

    Dr David Clancy “No interested to declare”

    For all other experts no reply to our request for COIs was receive.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest community grant scheme launches 19 June 2025 Island projects making a difference in their community could be eligible for a funding boost.

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Island projects making a difference in their community could be eligible for a funding boost.

    New and existing schemes supporting Isle of Wight residents who are struggling with food, utility-related items or wider essentials are being invited to apply for a community grant.

    The scheme is being administered by the Isle of Wight Council using its allocation from the Household Support Fund (HSF), granted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

    Around 250 grants have been awarded to local organisations by the scheme since October 2021.

    The total amount available for grants this time round will be £530,000.

    As well as supporting people in financial crisis with support around food, utility costs and wider essentials, the council is also looking for projects that help prevent households from falling into, or further into crisis. This could include things like teaching cooking skills, providing community kitchens, or offering joined-up advice and support. The council is also interested in new and creative ideas that could receive seed funding to help people live free from poverty and inequality, in line with the Isle of Wight Poverty Reduction Strategy. 

    Ian Lloyd, Strategic Manager for Partnerships and Support Services, Isle of Wight Council, said: “Grants like these play a vital role in supporting the Island’s many community-led projects, helping them grow and continue delivering essential services—particularly to those who need them most. I’d really encourage more local groups and organisations to explore what this funding could offer their communities.”

    The council would welcome applications from community and voluntary groups, charities, faith groups, schools, colleges and early years settings as well as town, parish and community councils.

    The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 2 July. Further application windows will be open in September and January so groups and organisations will have other opportunities to apply.

    The community grants scheme is just one of the ways the council is supporting Island residents via the HSF.

    Further information on how organisations can apply for a community grant is available on the council’s Household Support Fund web pages: community grants 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council wins prestigious national award

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 19 June 2025

    Oxford City Council is proud to announce that its Housing Needs Team has been named Housing Team of the Year at the LGC Awards 2025, held on 11 June in London.

    The LGC (Local Government Chronicle) Awards, now in their 29th year, are the premier event in the local government calendar, celebrating excellence and innovation across the UK. With over 1,200 attendees and more than 100 expert judges, the ceremony recognised the very best in council achievements from across the country. 

    Oxford’s Housing Needs Team stood out in an incredibly competitive field, impressing judges with its multi-pronged and data-driven strategy to prevent homelessness, its commitment to the Housing First approach, and its strong partnerships with health and other services across the county. The team was praised for its innovative prevention efforts, tangible success in reducing rough sleeping, and its compassionate, long-term focus on improving outcomes for people in temporary accommodation. 

    This was a very impressive, multi-pronged strategy with an innovative approach to preventing homelessness and improving outcomes for people already in temporary accommodation. The award is a real acknowledgment of many years of hard graft, difficult decision-making and delivery. 

    Comment 

    “I’m absolutely thrilled that our Housing Needs Team has received this national recognition.  

    “Their commitment, creativity and relentless focus on reducing homelessness in incredibly challenging circumstances is nothing short of inspirational. This award is a testament to years of hard work, strong partnerships and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe and stable home. I could not be prouder of the team.” 
    Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing 

    The LGC Awards underwent a rigorous judging process, with teams presenting their work to panels of senior local government leaders. In a year with a record number of entries, being shortlisted was an achievement in itself – and to win is a powerful endorsement of Oxford’s approach to tackling homelessness and housing insecurity. 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Overcrowded jails fuel prisoner violence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Overcrowded jails fuel prisoner violence

    Violence is rife in overcrowded, unsafe prisons, with offenders nearly twenty per cent more likely to be involved in assaults in too full jails, new research published today (19 June) reveals.

    • Direct link drawn between overcrowded conditions and increased violence for first time
    • Landmark sentencing reforms mean offenders who behave badly can be held in prison for longer, part of the Government’s Plan for Change
    • New £40 million investment this year to tackle violence, contraband and drones

    The rate of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults in men’s prisons increased by 11 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year as they operated at over 99% capacity. The rate of assaults on hard-working prison staff rose by 13 per cent during the same period.  

    This is the first time a direct link has been drawn between increased violence behind bars and the capacity crisis inherited by the Government that put the public at risk. 

    It reinforces the need for the 14,000 more prison places and landmark sentencing reforms set out by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood last month which will ensure prisons never run out of space again. The changes will help to cut reoffending and keep our streets safe, part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Under these reforms, release from prison will be earned. Offenders who behave badly will be held in prison for longer – helping to reduce violence and drug use. It will mean staff can focus more time on rehabilitating prisoners to reduce the chance of them reoffending on release. 

    The Government has also announced today a £40 million investment in new security measures this year to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence behind bars. This includes £10 million on anti-drone measures such as exterior netting and reinforced windows.  

    Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said:   

    These stark findings confirm what we’ve already seen – dangerously full prisons lead to more crime and more violence. This not only risks the safety of our hardworking staff but means our prisons are failing one of their most important functions – cutting crime. 

    We must end this chaos. That is why as part of our Plan for Change we are reforming sentencing and building 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. Our £40 million new investment will also help combat the flow of contraband which creates unsafe environments in our jails.

    The research found that over a one-year period, crowded environments increase the likelihood of an offender being involved in a violent incident by 19 per cent.  

    The £40 million will fund a range of security enhancements this financial year including window replacements, CCTV and control room upgrades, vehicle gates, biometrics and floodlighting. These improved measures will boost safety, combat the influx of drone activity and clamp down on suspected wrongdoing behind bars.  

    It comes as the National Crime Agency – in conjunction with HM Prisons and Probation Service, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Regional Organised Crime Units – has launched a new initiative stepping up efforts to thwart criminals attempting to smuggle contraband into jails via drones. 

    Two senior police leads will also be embedded into the Corruption and Crime Unit within the Prison and Probation Service to enhance cooperation in tackling key areas like corruption and organised crime in prisons.  

    The investment builds on action the Government has already taken to protect staff from violence, including the rollout of protective body armour for prison officers working within high-security settings and a trial of tasers beginning later this summer. 

    The Government has set aside £7 billion to fund 14,000 extra places by 2031 to deliver the prison capacity needed to keep the public safe. 

    Background information

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

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